Hong Kong legislature rejects same-sex partnerships bill

Lawmakers vote in the Legislative Council Chamber in Hong Kong on Wednesday. They rejected a bill that would have granted limited recognition to same-sex couples. - Photo: AFP

HONG KONG: Hong Kong lawmakers rejected on Wednesday (Sept 10) a bill that would have granted limited rights to same-sex couples, with the legislature's conservative pro-Beijing voices prevailing to deal a major blow to the city's LGBTQ community.

Hong Kong's government proposed legislation this summer to recognise some rights for same-sex partners, but only for those whose unions are registered abroad.